Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for grasping the depth and nuance of the Scriptures. The Greek word ἔχθρα (echthra, Strong’s G2189) is particularly significant as it is commonly translated as “enmity” or “hostility.” This term is often used to describe the deep-seated animosity between opposing parties, including the spiritual hostility between humanity and God. By exploring the meaning, usage, and context of ἔχθρα, we gain valuable insights into its implications in both New Testament teachings and ancient Greek culture.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἔχθρα (echthra) [EHKH-thrah]
• Etymology: From the root word ἐχθρός (echthros), meaning “enemy” or “hostile.”
• Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine; first declension.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Enmity: A state of deep-seated hostility or opposition, often implying an active animosity.
• Hatred: A strong feeling of dislike or ill-will toward someone or something.
• Hostility: The quality of being antagonistic or actively opposed to someone.

Similar Words: μῖσος (misos) [MEE-sos], meaning “hatred” or “abhorrence.” While μῖσος specifically refers to an intense dislike or hatred, ἔχθρα often implies a more active or enduring state of opposition or hostility.

Further Insights: ἔχθρα is a feminine noun and follows the first declension pattern in Greek. Its morphology and usage in different contexts reveal a variety of connotations, from personal hostility to cosmic enmity between good and evil. Below is the declension chart for ἔχθρα:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Describes ἔχθρα as enmity or hostility, particularly in the context of personal relationships and divine-human relations. It is often used metaphorically to describe spiritual or moral opposition, such as the “enmity” between the flesh and the spirit.
• Thayer’s: Notes that ἔχθρα signifies both literal and figurative hostility. It is commonly used in the New Testament to depict the state of opposition, such as in Galatians 5:20, where it lists enmity as a “work of the flesh.”
• Vine’s: Emphasizes ἔχθρα as the manifestation of an enemy’s actions. It highlights its use in Romans 8:7 to show the opposition between the carnal mind and God.
• LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): Provides a broad definition, focusing on its use in classical Greek to indicate personal animosity, hostility between states, or opposition between divine entities.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines ἔχθρα as enmity and emphasizes its connection to the root word ἐχθρός (echthros), describing an adversarial stance.

Related Scripture References

• Romans 8:7 – “Because the mind set on the flesh is hostile [ἔχθρα] toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so.”
• Galatians 5:20 – “Idolatry, sorcery, enmities [ἔχθρα], strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions.”
• James 4:4 – “You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility [ἔχθρα] toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἔχθρα (G2189: echthra)

The Greek word ἔχθρα (echthra, Strong’s G2189) is a powerful term in both Biblical and classical contexts. It denotes deep-seated hostility, animosity, or enmity, often used to describe spiritual or moral conflicts, such as the opposition between humanity and God or between flesh and spirit. This term reveals the nature of human and divine conflicts and challenges the believer to understand the spiritual implications of living in “enmity” with God or aligning with worldly desires.

Did You Know?

Did you know that ἔχθρα is not only used to describe personal hostility but is also a key term in theology for explaining the spiritual enmity between humans and God? In Romans 8:7, it describes the mindset opposed to God’s law, emphasizing the need for spiritual reconciliation and transformation. This word is a vivid reminder of the spiritual battles mentioned throughout Scripture, where believers are encouraged to overcome hostility with love, grace, and the spirit of God.